MILTON — Milton police are looking to the public for assistance in determining how and why a decomposing blue shark was placed in the woods off Teneriffe Road.

The shark was discovered on Thursday, not far from Route 125 and the Spaulding Turnpike, after a resident followed through the woods what they described to be a decomposing smell. Police say the resident stumbled upon a decomposing blue shark, stretching six to eight feet in length.

The closest salt water body is nearly an hour away.

According to WMUR-TV, New Hampshire Fish and Game were called to the scene where it was decided the shark would be left at the location for natural decomposition to take place. As for when the shark was placed in the woods, Lt. Richard Krauss said it is hard to determine strictly by the shark's state of decomposition.

"Due to the heat, it could have sped up the process," he said.

Krauss said the police department is looking for residents who may have noticed a vehicle in the area of where the shark was discovered to come forward with any and all information.

"Unless we have that, it's going to be hard to develop any leads," said Krauss.